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Mazy Search is categorized as a browser hijacker that is capable to modify browser settings and manage it. In other words, this potentially unwanted program (PUP) takes over the homepage, new tab, and the main search engine and sets it to browser.mazysearch.com. These modifications redirect users to the fake search engine every time they open their browsers. Experts identified that the hijacker spreads as a fake Adobe Photoshop CC crack package and is used to track various information on the affected system.
This particular potentially unwanted program has two features — it can alter browser settings as well as perform “Managed by Your Organization” activities. Usually, similar unwanted applications like Weknow.ac, Any Search, or QSearch focus only on modifying browser settings. Thus, Mazy Search removal might be a significantly more advanced procedure than getting rid of regular browser hijackers from your computer. However, it is essential to clean your system if you want to protect your privacy.
Firstly, browser hijackers change the main search engine in order to gain access to the browsing behavior. In other terms, everything the users type into the query bar is monitored by the developers of the browser hijacker. For example, if you search for something by entering your personal details, such information is also stored on the remote network that is controlled by unknown people. Furthermore, these potentially unwanted applications can access your geolocation, IP address, browsing history, and other related information.
Usually, the gathered information about computer users is stored and used for customized advertising or shared with third-parties. It is almost impossible to track where your data goes and who can access it. Therefore, many people might face relatively damaging consequences, such as the increased risk of identity theft or even financial losses. Even though the Mazy Search virus does not directly collect personally identifiable information, users can give that data without realizing it.
Furthermore, tracked browsing behavior allows the creators of browser hijackers to customize and deliver advertisements according to the interests of targeted users. Such activities help to attract people to click on the displayed promotional content and increase the pay-per-click revenue for the developers. Unfortunately, these advertisements are never checked for their safety and might either offer suspicious services/products or even lead to malware distribution sources.
Therefore, you should remove Mazy Search browser hijacker from your computer as soon as you notice the first symptoms. Although, note that you must get rid of the PUP with a reputable antivirus and reset your browser settings. We suggest scanning your system files with RESTORO. It is a highly effective malware removal tool that also offers to fix the damage after various infections. Later, you must reset your browser settings to the primary state. Feel free to use the quick and easy guide at the end of this article.
Name | Mazy Search |
Type | Browser hijacker, Potentially unwanted program (PUP) |
Related URL | browser.mazysearch.com |
Similar PUPs | Weknow.ac, Any Search, QSearch, etc |
Symptoms | It manipulates the browser settings, including new tab URL, homepage, and the main search engine; Users are continuously forced to use browser.mazysearch.com fake search engine when they open their browsers |
Spread | Experts spotted it spreading as a fake Adobe Photoshop CC 2019 crack on peer-to-peer (P2P) networks |
Risks | Since it collects various data about users, they might face identity theft risks or be lured into scams leading to financial losses; Also, an increased amount of ads deteriorates computer’s performance |
Removal | You can quickly uninstall the browser hijacker by running an entire system scan with RESTORO; Later, reset browser settings by following the instructions below |
It is not new that developers of potentially unwanted applications distribute them on peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing sites disguised as software cracking tools. This time is no different and this browser hijacker spreads as a fake Adobe Photoshop CC 2019 crack. Since many people are still using illegal websites to get paid software for free, they fall for the trick and install a potentially unwanted application instead.
Keep in mind that browsing on illegal websites is not only against the law but also highly dangerous. You should not only never download any files but also avoid visiting them in the first place. Instead, install applications only from official pages or authorized distributors. This way you will protect your system against various malware infections and ensure safe browsing experience in the future.
Additionally, some suspicious programs spread via infected advertisements that appear while users browse the Internet. They might take a form of a pop-up, banner, or any other type. However, you should stay away from all advertising content and never click on them. Otherwise, you might trigger an automatic installation of malware or be redirected to its distribution sources.
Mazy Search removal consists of two distinct processes. Since it is an advanced browser hijacker that performs many modifications on the affected browser, you should pay exceptional attention to the elimination procedure. First, start by installing a professional malware removal tool that could help you to uninstall hijacker-related files from your computer. Our top pick is RESTORO.
Once you remove Mazy Search and related elements from your system by scanning it with an antivirus, you should continue with the second elimination procedure. Keep in mind that the antivirus is not capable to get rid of the browser modifications. Therefore, you must reset browser settings manually. Those who are not advanced in tech and might struggle through the process should read the instructions at the end of this article.
They are designed to suit the most popular browsers, including Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Internet Explorer and others. Just make sure that you pick the right guide and follow it attentively.
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Mazy Search browser hijacker Removal Tutorial
To remove the unwanted program from your computer, use these instructions below to uninstall associated programs or apps from your Windows or Mac computer. Then scroll down for instructions how to clean each affected web browser individually.
Windows 10/8.1/8 users
Click on the Windows logo to open Windows menu. In search, type control panel and select the matching result. Then go to Programs and Features.
Windows 7 users
First, open Windows menu by clicking on the icon in the lower left corner of the screen. Then go to Control Panel and find section called Programs. Click on the Uninstall a program option under it.
Windows XP users
In Windows XP, click Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs.
Uninstall unwanted programs
Once in Programs and Features, look through the list of installed programs. You can click on Installed on tab to sort the programs by their installation date.
Right-click on suspicious programs you can't remember installing and choose Uninstall. Follow instructions provided by the Uninstall Wizard, click Next and finally Finish to uninstall the unwanted program from your PC.
Remove Mazy Search browser hijacker from Mac
Remove using INTEGO ANTIVIRUS for Mac (includes scanning for iOS devices). The one-of-a-kind security suite provides VirusBarrier X9 real-time protection against Mac and Windows-based malware, removes existing threats and scans for malware in popular e-mail clients. Includes NetBarrier X9, an intelligent firewall for home, work and public connections.
Remove Mazy Search browser hijacker from Google Chrome
Remove suspicious Chrome extensions
Change Start Page settings
Change default search settings
Remove push notifications from Chrome
If you want to get rid of the annoying ads and so-called push-notifications viruses, you must identify their components and clean your browser. You can easily remove ads from Chrome by following these steps:
Reset Google Chrome browser
Remove Mazy Search browser hijacker from Mozilla Firefox
Remove unwanted add-ons from Firefox
Change Firefox Homepage
Alter preferences in Firefox
Remove annoying push notifications from Firefox
Suspicious sites that ask to enable push notifications gain access to Mozilla's settings and can deliver intrusive advertisements when browsing the Internet. Therefore, you should remove access to your browser by following these simple steps:
Reset Mozilla Firefox
Remove Mazy Search browser hijacker from Microsoft Edge
Remove suspicious extensions:
Change MS Edge Start Page and default search engine:
Turn off push notifications in Edge
If you keep receiving pop-up ads or other promotional content while browsing on Microsoft Edge, your browser might be corrupted by a potentially unwanted program (PUP). You have to clean it — follow these easy instructions:
Clear browsing data
Remove Mazy Search browser hijacker from Safari
Uninstall suspicious Safari extensions
Change Safari Homepage and default search engine
Remove push notifications on Safari
Some suspicious websites can try to corrupt your Safari by asking to enable push notifications. If you have accidentally agreed, your browser will be flooded with various intrusive advertisements and pop-ups. You can get rid of them by following this quick guide:
Reset Safari
Remove Mazy Search browser hijacker from Internet Explorer
TIP: If you are still using IE, we strongly advise using Microsoft Edge or a different browser because Microsoft is no longer providing technical or security support for IE browser.
Remove suspicious extensions from IE
Change default search provider and remove suspicious ones
Change IE Home Page
Block pop-up notifications on Internet Explorer
Suspicious websites can gain access to your Internet Explorer browser through push notifications. If you enable them even by accident, you will start receiving numerous annoying ads and other advertising content while browsing. The easiest way to remove push-notification viruses is by performing the following steps:
Reset Internet Explorer
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Removing spyware and malware is one step towards cybersecurity. To protect yourself against ever-evolving threats, we strongly recommend purchasing a Premium version of Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, which provides security based on artificial intelligence and machine learning. Includes ransomware protection. See pricing options and protect yourself now.
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Scott Bolton is a senior content strategist in our Geek’s Advice team. He is exceptionally passionate about covering the latest information technology themes and inspire other team members to follow new innovations. Despite the fact that Scott is an old-timer among the Geeks, he still enjoys writing comprehensive articles about exciting cybersecurity news or quick tutorials.
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